Stories of Our Journeys

Cancer is the second most deadliest disease in America, yet scientists, researchers, and experts are still baffled as to what exactly causes the horrific disease. But according to The National Cancer Institute, approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths are related to diet, and researchers have discovered that eating a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, could actually help reduce the risk of cancers in the oral cavities, larynx, colon, stomach, lung, prostate, and much more.Here is a list of 20 foods that could not only help prevent cancer, but may also help inhibit cancer cell growth or even reduce the size of cancerous tumors:

1. Onions – Scientific studies have found that onions can help protect your body from cancer because they contain natural plant antioxidants.
2. Raspberries – Raspberries contain ellagic acid which is known to help slow down cancer-cell growth. Raspberries also contain vitamin C and fibre, which can help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease as well.
3. Apricots – Apricots contain beta-carotene, and after eating an apricot your body naturally transforms the beta-carotene into vitamin A, which can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, make sure the apricot is firm as once it becomes soft it can lose its nutrients.
4. Tomatoes – Scientific research has proven that tomatoes can reduce the risk of bladder, colon, and stomach cancers by half if eaten on a daily basis. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is known to be one of the strongest carotenoids, and essentially acts as an antioxidant to your body.
5. Lemons – Lemons contain furcoumarins and vitamin C which are both both known to help prevent cancer. If you’re not a fan of lemon juice, you can try squeezing a lemon on top of your vegetables, fish, and salads.
6. Broccoli – Broccoli contains Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane which can help protect women from breast cancer.
7. Avocados – Scientists believe that avocadoes could help reduce the risk of liver cancer, and recommend eating fresh avocado every day for at least three months.
8. Grapefruits – Grapefruits contain monoterpenes, which scientists believe could help prevent breast cancer.
9. Apples – Apples contain both antioxidants and quercetin (a plant chemical) which are both known to help reduce the risks of developing lung and prostate cancer.
10. Garlic – Garlic has sulphur-containing compounds which will not only help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but also reduce the risks of developing stomach and colon cancer.
11. Squash – Winter squash is packed full of vitamin C and beta-carotene which can help protect women from developing uterine cancer.
12. Peppers – Both chilli and jalapeno peppers contain chemicals that could help neutralize various cancer-causing substances, and may even help to prevent stomach cancer.
13. Tofu – Tofu contains nonsteroidal estrogens which may not only help protect someone from developing breast and prostate cancer, it can also help stall the growth of cells that tumors need in order to multiply.
14. Mushrooms – All of the various types of mushrooms may actually help prevent cancerous cells from multiplying because they contain polysaccharides and lectin.
15. Papayas – Papayas are packed full of vitamin C which essentially acts as an antioxidant, and may help in minimizing the growth of cervical cancer.
16. Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes contain various anti-cancer properties, such as beta-carotene, which can help protect our DNA from cancer-causing chemicals.
17. Flaxseed – Flaxseeds contain high mounts of omega 3 fatty acids which could help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
18. Pumpkin – Like squash, apricots and sweet potatoes, pumpkins contain beta-carotene which can help reduce the risk of various types of cancer.
19. Pineapple – Pineapples act as an antioxidant and may actually help reduce the risk of developing breast and lung cancer.
20. Celery – Celery contains approximately eight families of anti-cancer compounds, and can help stop the growth of tumorous cells.

Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching college student loans as well as scholarships for teachers. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare, and practicing the art of coupon clipping.

Tweet